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I’ve always wondered if you could just, you know, pick up one of those glossy, shiny Marvel trade paperbacks from the middle of a series, dive in, and understand what the hell is going on.

The answer is: of course you can. It’s comic books. It’s for kids! (And they are meant to be addictive.) Sure, you won’t get all the references, but if you have half a brain you’ll catch on quick.

This particular TPB was under a pile of stuff in my house for Lord knows how long. It is written by Joss Whedon (feh on that guy, generally) and illustrated by John Cassaday who truly is a (ahem) marvel with color. The book truly is beautiful and not just because the women parade around in underwear.

There’s some funny business, referenced above, where Wolverine becomes a fancy lad. Entertaining stuff.